CAM Molestation Issue

[QuietObserver]

Psychiatrists and “worldly science” are completely welcomed if it means prescribing Mennonite women (often abuse victims) with antidepressants, anxiety meds, etc so they can continue to be good obedient wives and mothers.

Yes, Mennonites like their psych meds. Not what I was referring to.

There’s no worry at all about “strong boundaries” to make it hard for seekers to come into a Mennonite culture, nor concern about “strong boundaries” that make it harder for young Mennonite men and women to get to know each other socially, etc

So I don’t really buy that.

Josh, you do a great job of intentionally misunderstanding people. I was referring to boundaries that would prevent someone from re-offending. This man should never have never been allowed alone with these boys. The things you mention are unrelated issues.

[steve-in-kville]

I am a bit dismayed that we are well over 24 hours since this broke and no official word from CAM, at least nothing on their website.

The chatter online is off the hook. People who served under CAM, knew about things that shouldn't have been going on, reported it, and were on a plane back home within a few days. Their punishment for "squawking."

I don't believe everything I read, but the next few days should prove to be interesting. Again, I pray for those that were hurt.

[Josh]

Psychiatrists and “worldly science” are completely welcomed if it means prescribing Mennonite women (often abuse victims) with antidepressants, anxiety meds, etc so they can continue to be good obedient wives and mothers.

Yes, Mennonites like their psych meds. Not what I was referring to.

Psychiatry and psychology are both “worldly science”. Mennonites conveniently use this when it suits them, and reject it when it doesn’t. They reject “worldly science” if it means holding child molesters accountable. They accept it if it means psych meds to keep victims placid and silent.

There’s no worry at all about “strong boundaries” to make it hard for seekers to come into a Mennonite culture, nor concern about “strong boundaries” that make it harder for young Mennonite men and women to get to know each other socially, etc

So I don’t really buy that.

Josh, you do a great job of intentionally misunderstanding people. I was referring to boundaries that would prevent someone from re-offending. This man should never have never been allowed alone with these boys. The things you mention are unrelated issues.

They are completely related, because anyone (like me) who says there should be boundaries between a suspected or known molester and new potential victims is ignored or told they have a sick mind or that they’re unforgiving.

Multiple people on who post here on MennoNet have told me I should stop being concerned about these things, that I need to let them go, and so on. I had to face this garbage less than 6 months after I became born again and a new Christian.

At this point, this is a rotten cancer of unrepentant behaviour, and everyone who has been involved in cover ups, silencing victims, and trying to silence people like me needs to repent and apologise. And not for me - but for the victims, and also for the offenders who are all on a path straight to hell.

What will you do on judgment day when you face the evidence for what you have done?

[QuietObserver]

Josh,
I think we are largely in agreement on this issue.

I admire you for sticking with the conservative Mennonites in spite of everything you went through. I don't like when people on this forum attack you for joining the Holdemans. I understand and respect your decision. I'm sorry about the situation at Hartville, you did the right thing.

[Ernie]

A statement from CAM is coming.

Can you give us any idea when?

Soon. CAM wanted it out yesterday. But because of the FBI's involvement, it got delayed.

FYI, I'm not involved in this situation or helping to produce the statement.

[steve-in-kville]

What will you do on judgment day when you face the evidence for what you have done?

I think we both know that by then it will be too late!

[Josh]

Josh,
I think we are largely in agreement on this issue.

I admire you for sticking with the conservative Mennonites in spite of everything you went through. I don't like when people on this forum attack you for joining the Holdemans. I understand and respect your decision. I'm sorry about the situation at Hartville, you did the right thing.

Thank you. I appreciate that very much.

I hope someone remembers all the victims - both here in America and abroad. Some of them have completely given up on both God and in conservative Mennonites. Sometimes I pray and sometimes I feel so sad for them I can only cry about it.

[steve-in-kville]

This thread is averaging 30 views an hour

Some of my co-workers have been checking CAM's website for anything. Nothing yet.

[joshuabgood]

I am a bit dismayed that we are well over 24 hours since this broke and no official word from CAM, at least nothing on their website.

The chatter online is off the hook. People who served under CAM, knew about things that shouldn't have been going on, reported it, and were on a plane back home within a few days. Their punishment for "squawking."

I don't believe everything I read, but the next few days should prove to be interesting. Again, I pray for those that were hurt.

I think that is where the frustration begins. By my count there were no less than 15 updates on their website since they discovered this atrocity, including one today. It's seems remiss that something hasn't been offered sooner. If the crime in question were one impossible to cover (say serial murder) a report probably would have went up within 24/48 hours of the incident. Though this isn't murder, the repercussions and damage of the serial offenses are hard to understate, and in the OT would have called for a similar punishment to murder. Therefore it seems like a quicker public response should have been had. I fear the damage is near irreparable and in the very least will take a really long time to rebuild trust.

[Ernie]

I don't believe everything I read, but the next few days should prove to be interesting. Again, I pray for those that were hurt.

I talked with the person at CAM who is responsible for this matter. Some things in the blog report are accurate and awful. Other things are not accurate.

John Coblentz has observed that there is often compassion for those who are hurt, but little to none for the perpetrator. He has encouraged people to have compassion for both.